Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment Grant
Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment Grant supports South Carolina tourism and sports organizations with costs to recruit and host new sporting events that bring visitors and spending to local communities.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Due Dates: Rolling (Bidding and hosting applications; event-specific windows apply)
Funding Amounts: 1:1 match up to $50,000 per event
Summary: Supports the recruitment of new sporting events to South Carolina through funding for event-related costs.
Key Information: Nonprofit tourism or sports-related organizations must apply through their respective local government.
Description
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism runs the Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment (STAR) grant to help bring new sporting events to the state. The program aims to generate additional spending by participants and visitors in host communities, enhance residents’ quality of life, and introduce visitors to South Carolina destinations they may return to for leisure travel.
STAR supports costs directly related to recruiting and hosting events, such as bid fees, event advertising, and equipment rentals. Sporting events that generate direct admissions and accommodations tax revenues receive higher priority in the review process.
